The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is set to mark its first anniversary in power on June 12, 2025, with a series of grand statewide celebrations.
The government aims to present a comprehensive “report card” to the public, highlighting its achievements over the past year. Preparations for these events are in their final stages, with a focus on showcasing the success of people-centric schemes like Subhadra and Ayushman Bharat, alongside other welfare initiatives introduced by the state government.
The anniversary celebrations will include a range of state-level programs across Odisha, designed to connect with diverse sections of society.
On June 13, Brahmapur will host a event dedicated to ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s empowerment), emphasising the government’s efforts to uplift women.
On June 18, Dhenkanal will host a ‘Yuva Shakti’ (youth empowerment) conclave to engage young people and highlight opportunities created for them.
On June 19, Mayurbhanj will see an ‘Adivasi Shakti’ (tribal empowerment) program, focusing on the welfare of tribal communities.
On June 20, Bargarh will host a farmers’ conclave to address agricultural advancements and support for farmers.
A key highlight of the celebrations will be the main event on June 12 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, where the government will showcase its achievements and outline plans. There is a strong possibility that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend this event, as he has been invited by Chief Minister Majhi.
The Prime Minister’s presence is expected to add significant weight to the occasion, with the state government aiming to align its achievements with the vision of the NDA’s “double engine” governance model. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other NDA chief ministers have also been invited to participate.
In a parallel development, the state government is finalising 12 key policies by May 31, 2025, as directed in a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Odisha. These policies, spanning various departments, will be sent for approval to the relevant authorities and shared with the Planning and Coordination Department. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department and the Principal Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department.
The education infrastructure will also take centre stage during the anniversary week. Between June 12 and 19, foundation stones for Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools will be laid in every block across Odisha, marking a significant step toward improving educational facilities in the state.
Additionally, a museum and library dedicated to Odisha’s freedom fighters will be inaugurated at the Freedom Fighters’ Ground in Bhubaneswar, celebrating the state’s rich history.
The celebrations will also feature development fairs (Bikash Mela) and Pallishree Mela organised by the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department in every district. Special editions of Utkal Prasanga (Odia) and Odisha Review (English) will be published to document the government’s achievements. A national conference on “Samruddha Odisha” (Prosperous Odisha) is scheduled for June 10, further emphasising the state’s progress under BJP rule.
In a related development, Chief Minister Majhi has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi, Union Ministers, and NDA chief ministers to attend the iconic Rath Yatra in Puri, scheduled for June 27, 2025.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida confirmed that the invitation was extended during a recent NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi. State Minister for Works, Excise, and Law, Prithviraj Harichandan, also noted that the Chief Minister has personally invited the Prime Minister to both the Rath Yatra and the anniversary celebrations.
The Odisha BJP government’s first anniversary is poised to be a landmark event, reflecting its commitment to governance, development, and cultural pride. With a focus on inclusivity and progress, the celebrations aim to strengthen the bond between the government and the people of Odisha.
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